Featured SJMG Guide: Bill Grasse

SJMG Guide Interview

Bill Grasse – AMGA Certified Rock Guide

The Featured Guide section is a new element of our newsletter and SJMG Blog intended to provide you with an in-depth look at some of our world-class guides. This issue’s Featured Guide is Bill Grasse – an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and SJMG Guide since 2007.

Bill has been described by a past client as “a valuable demon of a climbing guide” and he is easily one of our most requested guides for his friendly, easy-going attitude, coupled with a climbing ability and technical know-how that’s second to none. He also happens to be a veritable zen master of desert tower climbing. Read more about Bill below!

1. Where did you grow up?

I was born in Denver and lived there until I was 8 or so. I then spent 2 years in LA which were interesting. Especially because I was there during the riots. Then we moved to Colorado Springs where I spent the rest of my time until coming to Durango for college in 2000.

2. What is your rock climbing experience?

I have climbed all around the west but my love is the desert. I wish I could say that I have climbed in exotic places all over the world but the truth is that I have had no reason to branch out beyond the western United States. There’s just too much to climb around here. As far as experience: I have climbed big walls and long free climbs in Yosemite, Zion, Black Canyon and have spent a significant amount of time climbing towers on the Colorado Plateau. I have a goal of climbing 100 towers… I’m at 99.

3. What is your training background?

As far as official training: I have a Rock Guide Certification from the AMGA, a WFR, and am Avalanche level 1. Unofficially, I have been teaching people to climb for almost 14 years both as friends and for my college climbing club.

4. What are your favorite places to guide?

My favorite places to guide are Moab, Red Rocks, Black Canyon, the Ouray Ice Park, and the good old San Juans…

5. What is your favorite part about this job?

My favorite part of the job is the ability to affect people in a positive way. Guiding gives me a chance to push people to do things that they didn’t know that they could do. To have a part in that experience and to witness the exuberance and exhilaration that then follows for them is like a drug for me. It makes me remember my first climbing experiences and how free I then felt. Guiding gives me an avenue to remind people that it all doesn’t matter in the end and that enjoying the moment is all you need.

6. What makes you a good guide?

What makes me a good guide: besides my really really ridiculously good looks. My experience in wilderness therapy has taught me of the power of just making a connection with people. So I try to guide from the standpoint that i’m just a person that has learned some lessons and gained some experience who is just teaching another equal person those lessons and how to gain their own experience with hopefully less cost… did I mention my good looks.

7. What is your most memorable guiding experience?

I don’t know that I have one particular experience that stands out but rather, all of the friends I have made from my experiences guiding. I have met so many people and learned so much and grown myself. That’s what comes to mind when I think about the guiding experience.

8. Best/coolest climb you have ever done? Anywhere.

Best route I have ever done is either the Salathe on El Cap, or climbing a wall in Zion with great friends during Thanksgiving… we had beer, banana bread, and a whole smoked turkey… on the portaledges… It was awesome! Really though, there are so many experiences, it’s hard to choose one. Not much can beat sitting by a fire in Indian Creek with good friends, full bellies, and some guitar after a great day of climbing… so good!

9. What’s on your iPod right now?

“Idaho” by Down Like Silver; “Blood” by the Middle East; “Grace Hill” by the Pines; “As the Rush Comes” by Motorcycle; and “Blue” by Gemini.

10. 3 most Crucial Elements of a guide-client relationship?

Bill….You are an amazing guide with alot of self confidence and a fantastic attitude. Don’t forget your college education. Our climb in Garden of the Gods was fun and you had alot of patience with me. Keep up the good work…Dad

Very cool stuff, Bill… yours are the best pix I’ve got on FB… and I tell people about you… I’m very proud of you, mister… you came out well… and I’m looking forward to making music with you again… Rock and I are heading out to the Ridgeway area next month… maybe we’ll bump into each other?

Testimonials

I wanted to let you let you know about our recent trip to Ouray. We have used San Juan Mountain Guides every year since 2001 for our ice climbing about at the Ice Park and in the surrounding backcountry areas. This was our first year at the Ice Festival and what a great time it was! We know that every year SJMG will teach us and test us on the best climbs in the area. Thank you and your staff for everything and we look forward to seeing you guys next January.

G. Brauer

JB and I now feel like we can go into the backcountry and safely plan our trip, pick our travel routes and travel techniques and most importantly work together to have a great time out their while being safe……we will be highly recommending that our friends take this course too!

Erin B.

Some girlfriends and myself decided to take an Avy 1 Class to prepare ourselves for some backcountry turns. We were recommended San Juan Mountain Guides and were not let down! These guys do a great job of introducing newbies, such as myself, to the potential dangers of backcountry travel and to the fun possibilities of educated decision making. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone who is looking to travel high in the winter!

Laura P.

Just wanted to drop you a line and express how much I thoroughly enjoyed your ice class. It was fun to spend sometime with a climber of Andres ability. He was a terrific instructor an a joy to be around. You have a great service and I will be back again….Thanks again for a thoroughly enjoyable two days.

S. Morgan

Partners

Operating under special use permit in the Rio Grande – San Juan National Forest and the Grand Mesa – Uncompahgre National Forest – Denali National Park – Wrangell St. Elias National Park – Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Indian Creek BLM – Moab BLM – Ouray Ice Park – Shoshone National Forest.